This Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping area provides free overnight stays across multiple dirt roads that branch through the high desert landscape. Campers drive along various routes to find individual sites, though the search can take time as several visitors report circling for extended periods before locating available spots. The entrance road from the airport side requires high clearance vehicles due to steep, bumpy conditions.
Sites spread across the network of roads offer varying levels of privacy, with some campers finding spots 200 yards from their nearest neighbors. The area attracts off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and rock climbers who use the terrain for recreation throughout the day. ATVs and dirt bikes travel the roads regularly, particularly before sunset, and some continue through the night hours.
Vault toilets and trash collection points sit near the main entrance, while individual sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Cell service reaches most areas. "Perfect place to rock climb, hike or dirt bike or ATV," notes Megan E.. The open landscape provides views toward Gunnison and the surrounding mountains.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles can access some roads, though reviewers recommend higher clearance for better site selection. Campers seeking additional options can explore places to camp around Gunnison or check nearby Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. The area works well for self-contained camping with pets welcome.
Description
Hartman Rocks is a popular mountain bike area just a few miles southwest of Gunnison, Colorado, providing a true backyard to backcountry riding experience. Trails within this system provide a range of opportunities for all skill levels. There are plenty of natural technical slickrock features intermixed with traditional single track trails and natural surface roads. All trails, except a few serious downhill trails, provide for two way traffic creating a new experience each time you ride. Views at Hartman Rocks are spectacular especially during sunrise and sunset with the Gunnison Basin to the North and the San Juan Mountains to the south.
Roads and trails are closed south of the Powerline Road from March 15-May 15 for Gunnison Sage-grouse conservation.
One of the Bureau of Land Management's "Backyard to Backcountry" treasures, information on the Hartman Rocks Trail was developed between IMBA and the Gunnison, CO, BLM office to provide world-class riding experiences. IMBA's data on the trail includes elevations, ratings, current conditions, photos, and comments.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHartman’s Rocks FCFS campsites is located in Colorado near Gunnison
Directions
From Gunnison take Hwy 50 west. On the edge of town, before you cross the Gunnison River, turn left on the Gold Basin Road (Cty Rd. 38). Proceed around the west end of the airport runway for a total of 2.8 miles to the Hartman Rocks entrance which is marked by a sign.
Coordinates
38.50383203 N
106.95186118 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 6/22/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 6/22/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 6/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 6/22/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 6/22/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 6/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hartman’s Rocks FCFS campsites needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 8 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 2 hrs 50 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 11 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 18 min from Farmington, NM
